Team Bete and Nicola Celon Win 2006 Melges 24 World Championship

When I wrote last night that this regatta wouldn't be over until the fat lady sang I had no concept of the Wagnerian dramas that would unfolded on this final day of the 2006 Melges 24 World Championship in Hyeres where two races were sailed in an easterly wind of 5-8 knots. Going into the day Bete, owned by Ezio Amadori of Italy, helmed by Nicola Celon and crewed by Manuel Giubellini, Ralmondo Tonelli and Alberto Bolzan, was lying in second place 11 points behind DRP Partner & Partners, owned by Frenchman Philippe Ligot and helmed by Francois Brenac with William Thomas, Christian Ponthieu and Thomas Allin crewing. Many assumed that the championship was all but sewn up by the French crew, but as the day unfolded it became clear this was not the case. Full results are available www.m24world2006.com